Sleeping Beauty

Having a few days off during the recent holiday has played havoc with my schedule and left me with way too little sleep. Looking in the mirror this morning was a jolting experience. Time to get back on the wagon. I need some serious shuteye.

Everyday we are bombarded with facts about how sleep, or the lack thereof, affects our bodies and our long and short term health. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to everything from obesity, high blood pressure, depression, to heartattacks. Then there is 'Beauty Sleep', the age old term for a good night's rest. Until recently, the idea of sleep improving or affecting our apprearance was pretty much a myth and never put to the test. But now, a new study done by scientist from Stockholm's Karolinska Institute and published in the prestigious British Medical Journal has confirmed the sleep/beauty connection.

In the study, sets of photos were taken of twenty-three men and women. The first set was taken after the subjects had eight hours of sleep, and the second set after having been awake for thirty-one continuous hours. Each subject maintained the same facial expression, was the same distance from the camera and didnt not wear makeup either time. A group of observers then reated each photo based on a series of quailites including health and attactiveness. The observers rated the sleep-deprived as less healthy, more tired, and less attractive than those who had recieved a full night's sleep. John Axelsson, on the researchers speaking of the  results said, "Sleep is the body's natural beauty treatment. It's probably more effective4 than any other treatment you culd buy."

Surprise.. a FREE beauty treatment. That is a pretty strong endorsement. I will be starting this regime tonight!

Quick Tip: It is very important to sleep in as close to complete darkness as possible. That said, it's not always easy to block our every stream of light using curtains, blinds, or drapes.. Particularly if you live in an urban area (or if your spouse has a different schedule than you do). In these cases, Sleep Masks can help to block our the remaining light. Check out my sleep masks here- Bathtub Buzz

See you later!!

Bizzie Buzz

Flatforms!

The world of fashion has taken some pity on our poor feet for spring and summer this year. After a bunch of seasons featuring sky-high stilettos there is a new shape in town. 2011 is the year of the 'Flatform'. Now just to be clear, this shoe is NOT flat, but it's a shoe you can walk in for hours. A 'flatform' is a shoe with a platform equal in height to the heel. Resulting in a high or nearly flat walking surface. It captures high style and comfort.. What a concept!! Don't forget that platforms elongate your legs for a very sexy look.

While most of the platforms are made from the traditional stacked wood, leather, or cork- that is where tradition ends. Look for cork that is covered with glitter, wood painted with whimsical flowers, or multicolored woven soles that look like confetti. You can find this shoe with high chunky ankle straps... If you are still hanging onto the whole gladiator thing. I am loving a simple slide of narrow turquoise leather bands with a gold metallic cork heel. Look for lots of colors and patterns, flowers and jewel accents, and even lace. The sky, or should I say the 'sidewalk', is the limit. Just make sure you pick some that are fun and sassy.

I hope you have tried my foot soak from last week's blog. I have been faithfully dunking my feet and they are looking much better. I have added a foot scrub to my regimen too. After looking a the prices of scrubs in the stores, I've decided to try a quick and easy homemade recipe. With what I have saved, I can almost buy another pair of shoes!

This one is my favorite, but you can and should come up with your own unique concoction. Remember the best cooks seldom follow a recipe!

BROWN SUGAR SCRUB

1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
1/4 cup of Almond Oil
1/4 cup of Liquid Hand Soap
1/4 cupe of Vanilla Extract

I'm off to the mall!! We'll talk soon!

Bizzie Buzz

Breaking Out The Flip-Flops

It is my favorite time of the year…. the warm weather is here. For those of you that didn’t suffer through the winter that “wouldn’t end”, you probably never put your flip-flops away. For the rest of us, it has been a long wait. Today was the day I rescued them from their hibernation in the back of a dark closet. I dusted them off and slipped them on with great joy.


Unfortunately my feet are hardly flip flop ready. I have gotten the occasional pedicure over the last few months, but except for that, I have virtually ignored my feet. I wonder just how much you attention you pay to the care of your feet? Probably not a lot and no…buying shoes for them doesn't count.


Our feet are the whipping boys of the body. For every mile we walk 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of stress bears down on our tootsies. By the time we’re 50, most of us have walked 75,000 miles. That’s a lot of pounding for two narrow islands of 26 bones and more than 30 joints. Considering this, I've decided that my feet deserved a little respect.


Why not start with a nice soak. In doing some online research I came upon an ingredient I remember my Granny using to soak her feet….Epsom Salt. Epsom salt is made of the mineral magnesium sulfate. When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. Apparently my Granny knew what she was doing. Fast-forward to the 21st century and here is a brilliant way to begin a “new foot” ritual. Experts recommend that you soak your feet three times a week.


1. Use a large container that is big enough to fit both of your feet comfortably in and be adequately covered by water. Fill the container with warm water. Make sure to use enough water to cover the feet and a bit of the ankles.


2. Add 5 or 6 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to the warm water and gently stir with your hand to thoroughly mix the salts and the water.


3. Add a few drops of any essential oil you love to create a spa like experience by incorporating the sense of smell. I used Peppermint oil today and it was yummy.


4. Soak your feet for 15 minutes in the oil infused water.


5. Gently dry the feet with a small hand towel and apply your favorite lotion.


I guarantee not only will your feet begin to look better they will feel great. Stay tuned for more tips for the feet in the coming days.


BTW Epsom Salt can be found in drug and grocery stores.


Talk soon!


Bizzie Buzz


-xoxo-

Spa for Men

We certainly have come a long way from the time when the words ‘spa’ and ‘men’ would not be used in the same sentence.  Not all that long ago the ‘spa’ was a place where a man went to buy a gift certificate for his girlfriend or wife.  The world has certainly changed.  Did you know that about 35% of all ‘spa’ clients are men and this segment of spa goers grows every year? I guess I should not have been surprised. I have noticed how many men I see at spa and the nail salon too.  ‘Mani’ anyone?

Today’s spas have become gender-neutral places.  The surroundings are designed to be places where both men and women feel comfortable.   Gone are the frills, pink floral, and waterfalls; replaced with soft neutral colors, sleek, and modern designs.  Most spas now have robes and slippers just for men and tables long enough to prevent their legs from hanging off the table while getting a massage, as well as scent appropriate products that don’t leave him smelling of vanilla with a hint of jasmine.  If your spa does not have these man friendly things, find a new one that does.

You already know the value of a good spa treatment and you have a man in your life that deserves and could you use a spa gift.  The question is how to make him appreciate your gesture.  The answer depends on what kind of man you are sending to the spa.  Here are some typical types:

The Pleasure Seeker - Does he love that you are willing to indulge his every need?  Does he look for fun and delight in every experience and avoid pain at all costs?  If so, I think you have a pleasure seeker in your life.  Here is a perfect opportunity to give him something he loves… more pleasure.  You might consider a spa experience that incorporates his senses with an aromatherapy massage and a herbal facial.  He is the type that might find a way to prolong the experience for the entire day.  Just remember to leave you cell phone number so they will know where to call to have him picked up.

The Competitor – He will let you make all the decisions, as long you don’t stand in front of the TV screen.  To get some relief from the constant roar of the TV, consider the speed option play that involves a drive right to the spa door remembering to guard against any retreat by quickly peeling rubber as you make your retreat.  You might include something to deal with those chewed up nails. Once they get him in a robe and on the table the ‘game’ will be over.

The Metro sexual - Does your man have more clothes in his closet than you do?  This is a man that pioneered the spa experience for men.  He will be willing to spend both time and money at the spa.  No need to rope this guy in.   Treat him to the most innovative and exotic treatment your spa has to offer.  I’m thinking a Chocolate Sugar Scrub or Seaweed Wrap.

The Woodsman – He will boast of going four days without a shower while on a backpacking trip.  He is all about nature and practicality.  This guy will enjoy a practical spa treatment…like “my feet are so dry and cracked I could use a pedicure so they don’t stick to the carpet” He also likes all things technical.  Give him some info on the very tech- like experience of the Shiatsu massage.

The Stop the Clock – He turned 40 and can’t stop talking about it.  Is he constantly complaining about the failings of various body parts?  Some men just go over the edge once they turn 40 and spend a lot of time focusing on father time.   Have you heard about anti-aging facials?  Play right into his vanity and send him post haste to the spa.  I guarantee he will become a regular seeking out any and all treatments designed to ward off the effects on the clock.

The Superhero – He just needs to relax.  He spends most of his time carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.  You need to give him the opportunity to relax… if only so he can get more things done.  It will be a big challenge to get him to spa land.  Ask him to trust you… just this once. Then find a men’s spa where he can get just a shave for starters and add a facial on the sly.  Once he knows he can control the experience he will be scheduling his spa treatments along with his oil changes.

Since we all know how amazing a spa experience is I have a feeling you can manage to get your boyfriend or husband there.  I would suggest that you book his first visit as a gift to celebrate a special occasion, that way he will look at it as something special. Once you get him there the first time, I am pretty sure he will want to come back for more.  In no time at all I bet he is looking for space in the shower to put his loofah and back strap!

Good Luck.  I would really love to hear about your spa experiences… both yours and your man’s.   Leave me a message!

Talk soon,

Bizzie

-xoxo-